Likewise, even the visuals, which were once drool worthy are now just smooth and respectable. They've slightly increased texture resolution (faces look great) and added in some waving grass effects, which are nice, but it's not like they've overhauled the art assets, the lighting engine, weather effects or even supported widescreen. All three console versions run fairly well, but each suffers minor slowdown and framerate stutter at times. Xbox suffers the least, though, and looks the best.

All that that said, the new menus, the refined Game Face, all the modes, including Rivals, is the most put together the series has been. Online is available in the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC versions. Like many online experiences, nothing is guaranteed, but overall it works well enough. Back to the point: when you quantify all of these changes, Tiger 06 is still just a tweaked version of Tiger 2005. For example, the PGA Tour mode is still a baseline presentation -- you're not getting picture-in-picture updates or reports on your opponents' performances, which could go a long way.

So, on the whole, there's a lot to love and plenty to put on your wishlist for in the future. Tiger 06 has a plethora of challenge modes, multiplayer options, rewards, and an impressive amount of replay value if you follow real-time events and online play. The newly implemented swing mechanics are also for the better, even if still in need of balancing. Whether you decide to bring Tiger 06 home is going to depend largely on what you want out of it. If you were hoping for bigger changes, you may want to see how the next-generation pans out or see what next year brings. However, if you've been totally satisfied with each of the previous years' upgrades, then Tiger 06 is unquestionably something you'll want to add to your collection. Hole-for-hole, it's still the best console golfer around -- the presentation and polish is slicker than ever, and there are loads of challenges and events to keep you busy.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06

Join Tiger Woods in TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 06, which features updated controls, a deep character creation system, and many of the sport's most famous players.

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The Verdict

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is a lot of what I expected from this year's update, and it's got a few surprises too. I'm grateful that the team finally decided to move putting to the grid system, but it still needs tweaking. Also, being a fan of simulation, I had always shyed away from using power hitting and I really appreciate the new unpredictability of the dual analog swing. I've had a few duffs off the tee and wild curves, which actually feels great when you have come to expect straight shots every time.

So, the mechanics feel better and I recommend it for fans of the series who have to get their fix every year. However, if you're looking for something new, you may want to hold off to see if EA makes a bigger leap with the next generation or next year's version.

Be warned that the GameCube version suffers from being limited to one disc this year; likewise, the controls are slightly marred. Audio is a bit more compressed, there's a lack of some video scenes, and as for the controls you lose out on the "behind the green" view. Oh, and no progressive scan. Minor flaws, but enough that you should make yourself aware of them.

8.5PresentationThe new menus combine with new modes for a slick experience, but Rivals mode and even PGA Tour still need fleshing out.

8GraphicsThis year delivers a slight advancement over last. No surprises, but it's a refined engine that does what it needs to do. The faces look great, especially. Some slowdown and stuttering at times.

8SoundAs always, Feherty and McCord offer lively color commentary. Alongside great atmospheric effects and some created character VO, it works well. Slightly compressed, some annoying repetition.

8.5GameplayChanges have been made: improved swinging, putting, and single-player; new courses and rewards. It's the most refined Tiger yet, but it's still just a small evolution in need of bigger changes.

8.5Lasting AppealThere's a plethora of modes, bonuses, and rewards. No online but multiplayer just the same, and a nice calendar of real-time events.